When I think of the word ‘peace’ a few things immediately come to mind. Like, when asked what one wants for the world, the answer is usually, ‘World Peace!’ Or when someone, embattled by life-states, ‘I just need some peace and quiet!’ Then, especially during this time of year I recall the lyrics to a song, ‘Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me…’ I believe we would all agree of the need for peace in our life and our world. Without question. But it’s here we transition.
Biblically – God says, ‘Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me…with my Son, Jesus…the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).’ In Luke 2:14 the angels state this of the Christ-Child – Jesus, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Jesus: peace personified and Christmas defined. In Jesus, peace is a state of being resulting from accepting and abiding in God’s presence bringing spiritual restoration, mental release and physical relief. (Philippians 4:6-7) As Ann Voskamp says, “Peace isn’t a place to arrive at but a person to abide in. ‘I myself am your peace,’ says Jesus.” Truth. The question is, have we truly accepted the peace Jesus offers? And if so, are we abiding and remaining in His peace no matter what occurs in life? That’s the question. Psalm 29:11 says, “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.” Will we accept it and then abide in it – truly? Because to experience the peace God offers us in Jesus is to first accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior – our spiritual Prince of Peace. It’s then that we can move forward, with peace, into life’s trials.
Let me ask, what has us fretful, anxious, worrisome, fearful and peace-less at the moment? What situation or circumstance do we need to entrust to God in order to embrace the peace He offers? In one of my peace-less life moments God taught me, “In my present trials, I can be peacefully confident in God and my future because of how He has sustained and delivered me in my past.” Haratio Spafford, in one of his ‘peace-less yet peaceful life moment’ wrote these words, “When peace like a river attendeth my soul; when sorrow like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say, ‘It is well with my soul.'” Now that’s peace friends…that’s peace that surpasses all understanding. Knowing that, through it all, God is WITH us! HE, in Jesus, is our Peace! May you experience God’s peace today as Numbers 6:24-26 says, “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
See you this Sunday, December 15 at 9:30 & 11:15 a.m. as we discuss ‘Peace: Christmas Defined!’
Peace and Goodwill Friends,
Pastor Doug
